Tips from the Nursery – 3/16/17
It has been a long winter. But, spring has now arrived and it’s a great time to review the early season care requirements of your plants.
Evergreens
Late April and early May is the best time to fertilize all of your evergreens. Evergreens trees do all of their above ground growing in the month of May. Granular fertilizers work well but a water soluble fertilizer allows for a faster uptake. We like an “Acid Special” type fertilizer. It’s has the added benefit of helping to change the pH of the soil. This is highly desirable for evergreen plants.
Roses
Examine your rose plants for any rodent damage or winter killed canes. Prune the dead canes from the plant and cut back the plant to a pleasing shape. The first Rose food feeding should be done this month. Roses are heavy bloomers and require additional food for continued performance. We recommend a balanced fertilizer with a systemic insecticide (just in case some aphids decide to visit your rose bed this summer).
Shrubs
Check your shrubs for any tip die back from this winter’s cold. Prune any dead material from the plant. Clean any old leaves from inside the plant as they may harbor dormant fungal spores. Spring feeding should be done in early May with a water soluble fertilizer. Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Oaks and blueberries need an acidic soil environment for optimal health. Aluminum Sulphate granules, applied in early May is an economical way to insure these plants thrive throughout the season.
Perennials
Your perennials will start to wake up as soon as the soil warms. Examine the plants for renewed growth and clean up any residual husks or dead material from the plant. For ornamental grasses, as soon as you see new growth, cut last year’s stalks away. Start your perennial plant feeding with timed – release fertilizer or a water soluble drench.
Feel free to email any questions to us at: info@willowspringsnursery.com